Spanish Airlines Suspend Flights to Venezuela Over Safety Concerns

Professor at EAE Business School Romà Andreu recalls that the suspension of flights by Iberia, like Air Europa or Plus Ultra, to Venezuela is due to a notification ('notam', in aviation jargon) from the Spanish aviation authority, which specifies the risk of flying in that area. For now, Spanish companies are still waiting to see if the State Agency for Air Safety (AESA) extends the warning it issued last November 24 - in effect until this Monday - to avoid flying to the region, although Air Europa has already announced that it would also cancel the two Madrid-Caracas flights for December 2. In fact, in response to passenger questions directed to Air Europa's official X account, the airline published the following message this Saturday: 'At this time, flights to/from Venezuela are canceled until December 2.' Flight cancellations could affect around 15,000 passengers per week, according to sector sources, especially at a time of year like this, when the flow of travelers between both sides of the Atlantic is more intense due to the proximity of Christmas. If the situation in Venezuela does not improve, flights will continue to be canceled. On November 24, the last two planes arriving from Caracas landed in Madrid, one from Air Europa and one from Plus Ultra. In order for users to adjust their plans, Air Europa has enabled special conditions such as free date changes on its flights until February 28, 2026, inclusive; free route change to or from Medellín and Bogotá (Colombia) or Panama; a voucher or a refund. Last Wednesday, Venezuela's Ministry of Transport and the National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) announced their decision to revoke the license, precisely, of Iberia, as well as that of the Portuguese TAP, the Colombian Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and the Brazilian Gol. The warning from the US president, Donald Trump, to airlines and pilots to take into account that Venezuela's airspace 'will remain fully closed' has increased the uncertainty of passengers with pending trips to or from Spain, as they express in their constant inquiries on social networks. In the case of Iberia, the company has issued a 'flexibility' for flights. However, the full scope of this revocation, which would already severely limit Venezuela's air connectivity, is yet to be seen. Therefore, the suspension of flights with that country 'is a correct measure to ensure the safety of passengers, aircraft, and crews,' states this expert, who believes that over time, 'everything will smooth out.' Thus, if you are flying between November 24, 2025, and January 31, 2026, with origin/destination Caracas on flights operated by Iberia and you purchased the ticket on the web or in Serviberia until November 26, the customer can change the date of their reservation to travel until next February 28. If they are recommendations, 'airlines can ignore them, but in case of an incident or accident, they will be responsible.' Since then, there have been no regular flights between the two countries. Meanwhile, sources from Plus Ultra emphasize that they are currently following the recommendation of the Spanish aviation authority and are awaiting the extension (or not) of said 'notam' to evaluate in real time. 'These notifications are usually followed, and in the case of prohibitions, it is mandatory.'